Theater Audition for "Little Women" Play

Age 16 (but this is 16 for the 1860s, so more like the 22-23 today) – The oldest March sister. She takes on the responsibilities of a mother figure. A romantic at heart. Likes to dress up and be the lady of the house.

Age 15 (~19-21 today) – The second oldest. Does not conform to conventional gender roles. Ambitious and fiery and often impatient. Things do not move quickly enough for her. She aspires to be a great writer. Passionate, intelligent, and ahead of her time, she wants to change the world. She has a very close relationship with Beth.

Age 13 (~17-18 today) – The third-oldest sister. Very shy, with possible social anxiety. Had to be taken out of school because of this. She loves deeply and has deep empathy for everyone. An observer and a healer, she is content with the simple things in life. She plays the piano well.

Age 12 (~14-16 today) – The youngest sister. Extremely opinionated and often superficial; she likes to impress others by using big words. She is somewhat self-absorbed, focussed on her appearance and image. Her bad temper gets her into trouble.

The mother of the family. A social activist who cares about the community and her family. Strong, brave, intelligent. Keeps the family together. Contributes to the war effort.

The most unpleasant and judgemental elderly woman imaginable. Has lots of money and privilege. Fiercely opinionated. Has an intermittent hacking cough. Should be played for comedy.

The March’s longtime housekeeper, cook, and babysitter. Could be played as Irish. Matter-of-fact, takes no nonsense. She is the boss of the kitchen and knows the daughters inside out. Does not hesitate to weigh in on family matters. (The role of Hannah may be doubled up with that of Mrs. Mingott, a wealthy stylish woman, and a messenger.)

A handsome, wealthy, and well-mannered young man. Sensitive, funny, and charming, but also a little lonely and lost. He doesn’t fit into the masculine prototype of the era. An accomplished musician. Finds a family with the Marches.

Laurie’s stiff and socially awkward tutor. A rule follower. A poor man, well educated. Described as having a limp, possibly from a war injury. Falls in love with Meg. (The actor playing Brooks will be doubled up with Aunt March’s evil parrot. At the audition, be prepared to do parrot stuff.)

Laurie’s grandfather, responsible for Laurie’s upbringing. A formal, wealthy man, who is uncomfortable expressing emotions. Tends towards gruffness, which may come across as frightening. Deeply regretful of incidents in his past, but unable to express it. (This part will be doubled up with Mr. Dashwood, the publisher of cheap newspapers and novels. He fancies himself a nice guy, but is a shrewd businessman, not as nice as he pretends.)

Father to the March girls and husband to Marmee. Wounded in the war. Has a significant limp. Struggles with his injuries, both physical and emotional.